I have started several tomato seeds and transplanted most of them into bigger pots, but the little blighters are being very cranky and at least five of them have croaked on me. They just gave up the chlorophyl and keeled over.
It's 'damping off', is what it is. Though I have planted them in potting soil, not garden soil which is supposed to prevent this disaster.
Here's the Google on it:
"Damping-off is the name given to several types of fungi which attack young seedlings at soil level and rot the stems. The stems blacken and elongate, while the leaves above appear healthy. The entire plant soon topples over and dies. The disease spreads quickly and is easier to prevent than cure."
Yeah, whatever. Next year, I'm changing planting medium. And I may bake the potting soil in my own oven as a precaution. Dang.
I have seven kinds of tomato seeds planted, but I'm not naming any names on what I have until I see the second set of real leaves on them. I don't want to know them if they are going to croak. If you know what I mean.
Anyhow, my legendary gardening skills are in serious question today, and frankly I am very put out by the entire situation.
I may have to go out there and have a stern talk with those tomato seedlings. Cooing and wheedling certainly haven't worked.
Humpf!